Is there any reason to avoid eating before taking your pre-workout? If you are wondering if you should eat before taking pre-workout supplements, my team and I are here to help. I have vast experience with these supplements, having used them for years, both with and without food.
Please continue reading so we can reveal whether you should eat food when using these products.
Should You Eat Before Taking Pre-Workout Supplements?
Eating before taking any supplement like Gorilla Mode or Woke AF will come down to your personal choices and goals. Taking a supplement without eating will mean that the ingredients are absorbed faster, so it will work quickly. Not eating will raise the risk of stomach problems and low blood pressure.
Can I Take My Pre-Workout on an Empty Stomach?
Of course, you can take it on an empty stomach. Unless you have any individual sensitivities, allergies, or adverse reactions to specific ingredients, there shouldn’t be any issue.
Some individuals sensitive to caffeine may experience some discomfort if taking pre-workout on an empty stomach. If you are sensitive to pre-workouts that contain stimulants then you will be best suited by eating food before taking your pre-workout.
Can You Take a Pre Workout While Intermittent Fasting?
Consuming a supplement like C4 or Bucked Up would break the fast for those who fast for religious reasons, where they will abstain from food and drink.
However, when it comes to intermittent fasting for health reasons, the pre-workout’s impact on your fast will depend on its ingredients.
Typically, the ingredients found in these pre-workout supplements do not contain calories. Therefore, you are unlikely to break your fast. This makes them an excellent option for those seeking a boost during fasting.
The Benefits of Taking a Pre-Workout on an Empty Stomach
There are a few reasons why you may want to take them on an empty stomach:
Faster Absorption
When you consume a supplement on an empty stomach, its ingredients spring into action quickly.
When you’ve eaten, you will experience slow digestion and absorption.
Helps With Weight Loss
Skipping a meal can leave you with lower energy levels. Pre-workout supplements offer a convenient way to increase energy without adding extra calories to your diet.
Increased Energy Levels
Consuming a supplement on an empty stomach has a distinct advantage: the active ingredients swiftly enter your bloodstream and are readily available when you need them most during your workout.
Supplements such as Pre Kaged and Pre Jym can be invaluable for high-intensity intermittent exercises like HIIT, CrossFit, and weightlifting. They offer a rapid source of energy without the typical delay associated with the digestion of a meal.
The Pre-Workout Can Be Taken Closer to the Workout
The sweet spot is typically around 30 minutes before your workout when using them. However, when taken with an empty stomach, things happen faster.
By the time you’re ready for that bench press, you can expect it to kick in.
The Downsides of Taking a Pre-Workout on an Empty Stomach
It would be best if you didn’t take them on an empty stomach for a few reasons.
It May Cause Stomach Problems
Many people report stomach problems after using supplements. It’s not unusual for them to have a laxative effect.
The effects could be worse than usual without food acting as a buffer. If you experience discomfort after taking your pre-workout on an empty stomach, then be sure to eat some food before taking it next time.
Your Blood Sugar May Drop Too Low
Choosing to have them first thing in the morning on an empty stomach can lead to a condition known as hypoglycemia, where blood glucose levels drop to a point where symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue may occur.
A light snack may give your body some initial fuel if you anticipate a long or intense workout.
Higher Than Normal Blood Pressure
Taking a supplement may be bad on an empty stomach if you’re particularly sensitive to stimulants.
Without the buffer that food provides, stimulants may cause sudden spikes in your blood pressure. This can be concerning if you’re already dealing with hypertension.
Should You Take Pre-Workout on an Empty Stomach?
You can take it on an empty stomach; however, essential factors must be remembered.
The most significant distinction between taking a product on an empty stomach versus after a meal is the speed at which the ingredients take effect. When your stomach is empty, the ingredients are digested and absorbed much quicker. Resulting in its effects being felt much faster.
Conversely, when you’ve had a meal, the ingredients will take longer to take effect due to digestion and the absorption of ingredients.
Best Pre-Workout Ingredients For Training On An Empty Stomach
The best ingredients for those on an empty stomach are those without calories or sugar. Luckily for you, most ingredients will be suitable for fasting.
Some ingredients that will be suitable include:
Caffeine
A stimulant found in many of the most popular supplements. It helps:
- Boost metabolism
- Improve strength
- Increase muscle endurance
- Enhance anaerobic performance
Creatine
Creatine is a mixture of amino acids: L-arginine, glycine, and methionine. It will help:
- Boost your strength and muscle gains
- Improved anaerobic endurance
- Reduce muscle damage and DOMS after exercise
- Increase glycogen that your muscle tissue can store
Citrulline Malate
Citrulline malate is the combination of the amino acid l-citrulline with malic acid. This ingredient will help:
- Increase muscle endurance
- Relieve muscle soreness
- Improve aerobic performance
Beta-Alanine
This naturally occurring amino acid causes those tingling effects. There are the best beta-alanine pre-workout supplements that include the following benefits.
- Less fatigue while working out
- Increases endurance
L-Theanine
L-theanine is another amino acid that comes from tea. It can help:
- Reduces mental stress
- Increases nitric oxide production
- Improves mood
- Increases focus
Alpha-GPC
Alpha-GPC is a combination of choline and glycerophosphate. It can help:
- Increase power output
- Increase production of growth hormones
Betaine
Betaine is yet another amino acid. It is found in foods like beets, spinach, and quinoa. It helps:
Related Questions
What Should I Eat 30 Minutes Before a Workout?
There are the best foods to eat before working out. You should choose a snack that combines good quality carbohydrates with a smaller fat portion, such as fruits or whole grains, with low-fat yogurt. This will give you an immediate energy boost throughout your workout.
What Not to Do Before Pre-Workout?
You should avoid consuming coffee or energy drinks before taking a pre-workout. This is due to the caffeine content, which can cause problems if consumed in high quantities.
Can You Take C4 Pre-Workout on an Empty Stomach?
Yes, you can take C4 on an empty stomach. It is up to the user, as some will prefer to fast for several hours before working out, while others will prefer having at least a snack before exercise.
Conclusion
Choosing to eat before you take a product will come down to individual choices. You should and should not use them on an empty stomach for many reasons. Whatever you choose will be fine. However, you should be careful of any side effects. If you encounter any, a snack beforehand may help.
